20" new iMac VS 24" Refurb both for $1199

[moneyman118]

So heres my dilemma; which one should I get. Should I get the newer graphics card? Aren't they (new graphics card) supposed to be better with Snow Leopard? From an operating standpoint which is better. I may download and edit some family videos in the future but not anytime soon. I simply surf the internet and listen to music. Thank you in advance and I apologize if this thread is created somewhere else.

U.S. Store prices.

NEW
20-inch : 2.66GHz
2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB memory ( I would add another 2gb to make it 4gb)
320GB hard drive1
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics

VS

REFURB
Refurbished iMac 24-inch 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
24-inch glossy widescreen display
2GB memory
320GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory
Built-in iSight Camera

[Hellhammer]

Refurb. It's much better. New ones have DDR3 RAM that's only + in new ones

[phungy]

I have a 24" iMac and would suggest going with the refurb, plus, its 24". You'll be able to watch 1080p :p You also get dedicated graphics vs shared.

[Mike in Kansas]

Refurb 24". It's a great deal. If you don't want such a large screen, get a refurb 20"/2.66 for $200 less. I just had mine delivered yesterday and I swear it is new. Can't find anything on it that would suggest it was pre-owned. Great computer for the kids.

[moneyman118]

Refurb 24". It's a great deal. If you don't want such a large screen, get a refurb 20"/2.66 for $200 less. I just had mine delivered yesterday and I swear it is new. Can't find anything on it that would suggest it was pre-owned. Great computer for the kids.

Mike did you get the original white box? Did you get an aluminum keyboard?

[alphaod]

The 24" is way better; plus you get the aluminium keyboard with a keypad ;)

[Mike in Kansas]

Mike did you get the original white box? Did you get an aluminum keyboard?

No, it came in a brown refurb box. Came with original full-sized aluminum keyboard. Here is a link to my post:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7224280&postcount=19

[QCassidy352]

refurb imac advantages
24" higher quality display
better graphics
faster processor
FW 400 port
DVI

new imac advantages
faster RAM and FSB
extra USB 2.0 port
mini display port
Nice shiny packaging ;)

So the answer is refurb... and it's not a close call.

[Jeffrosproto]

refurb imac advantages
24" higher quality display
better graphics
faster processor
FW 400 port
DVI

new imac advantages
faster RAM and FSB
extra USB 2.0 port
mini display port
Nice shiny packaging ;)

So the answer is refurb... and it's not a close call.

I would positively go with the refurb, but keep in mind that the FW 400 port is NOT an advantage, as the New iMac has a FW800 port which is backwords compatible, with the addition of an $8 cable.

[11800506]

I would positively go with the refurb, but keep in mind that the FW 400 port is NOT an advantage, as the New iMac has a FW800 port which is backwords compatible, with the addition of an $8 cable.

The previous iMac had a Firewire 800 port too, but it also had an extra Firewire 400 port. This latest revision just replaced the FW400 port with an extra USB.

[Jeffrosproto]

The previous iMac had a Firewire 800 port too, but it also had an extra Firewire 400 port. This latest revision just replaced the FW400 port with an extra USB.

Yep, I know, I'm just saying its not a disadvantage, as they are backwords-compatible and (usually, but not always) there is more of a use for an extra USB than 2 firewire that can serve the same purpose.

[moneyman118]

The Refurb is not available anymore?:( Do you think they will add more or is it gone?

[waynergy]

Yep, I know, I'm just saying its not a disadvantage, as they are backwords-compatible and (usually, but not always) there is more of a use for an extra USB than 2 firewire that can serve the same purpose.

Having two Firewire ports is an advantage.

[The Hammer]

The 24" is way better; plus you get the aluminium keyboard with a keypad ;)How is it better other than the screen real estate?

[ucla95]

The Refurb is not available anymore?:( Do you think they will add more or is it gone?

Prob sold out man. Gone forever is my bet.

[Zmmin3]

The Refurb is not available anymore?:( Do you think they will add more or is it gone?

just keep checking daily, my opinion is there will be a few more coming in as a few of those who just bought them days before the new ones announced will be sending them back in order to get one of the new ones.

[the_fellowship]

I doubt they are sold out, are they officially discontinued yet?

Edit: See http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB325LL/A?mco=MjE0NDk5Mw

Just says out of stock, not discontinued so I am sure they will have more in stock soon :)

[Yazmeen]

24" is way better....you will get an awesome display!!